Student Aid on the Web Skip Navigation

Career Details : Security Guards

   << Back    Add Career to MyFSA

Description

Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules.

Experience

No previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, a person can become a general office clerk even if he/she has never worked in an office before.

Education

These occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some may require a formal training course to obtain a license.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few days to a few months of training. Usually, an experienced worker could show you how to do the job.

Tasks

  • Patrols industrial and commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
  • Warns persons of rule infractions or violations and apprehends or evicts violators from premises, using force when necessary.
  • Calls police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.
  • Operates detecting devices to screen individuals and prevent passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas.
  • Answers telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.
  • Escorts or drives motor vehicle to transport individuals to specified locations and to provide personal protection.
  • Monitors and adjusts controls that regulate building systems, such as air conditioning, furnace, or boiler.
  • Writes reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
  • Drives and guards armored vehicle to transport money and valuables to prevent theft and ensure safe delivery.
  • Circulates among visitors, patrons, and employees to preserve order and protect property.
  • Answers alarms and investigates disturbances.
  • Monitors and authorizes entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
  • Inspects and adjusts security systems, equipment, and machinery to ensure operational use and to detect evidence of tampering.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Responsible for Others' Health & Safety
    • Consequence of Error
    • Importance of Being Aware of New Events
    • Job-Required Social Interaction
    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done

    Related Majors

    Major Add to MyFSA
    Criminal Justice/Security Administrationadd Criminal Justice/Security Administration to MyFSA
    Pre-engineering Chemistryadd Pre-engineering Chemistry to MyFSA
    Private Securityadd Private Security to MyFSA
    Private Security/Loss Preventionadd Private Security/Loss Prevention to MyFSA
    Public Safetyadd Public Safety to MyFSA
    Security Managementadd Security Management to MyFSA
    Security Systemsadd Security Systems to MyFSA
       TOP    

    • End of Page